A Nepali delegation met with Korean officials on Tuesday to discuss infrastructure development and cooperation, according to the Nepali Embassy.

The delegation was led by Minister of Physical Planning, Works and Transport Management, Hridayesh Tripathi during their five-day visit to Seoul.

Tripathi met with Korea’s Land, Transport and Maritime Minister Kwon Do-youp and discussed bilateral interests. The two ministers also sought to enhance the exchange of information and promote development in railway, subway and tunnel construction.

During their meeting, Tripathi asked that the Korean government promote Nepali investment opportunities to its community. According to a press release by the Nepali Embassy, the two sides also discussed possible agreements for cooperation and mutual consultation.

The two sides agreed to have Nepali officials receive training at the Korea Railroad Research Institute, and Korea to provide cooperation in the field of infrastructure development.

The six-member delegation to Korea is part of a government push to improve infrastructure, mainly in transportation, according to the embassy.

The delegation included, Nepali Ambassador Kaman Singh Lama, Tulsi Prasad Situala, ministry secretary, Hariom Prasad Srivastov, joint secretary, and Ram Kumar Lamsal, director general of the Department of Railways.

On Wednesday the delegation also met with officials from the Korea Railroad Corporation, observing Korea’s railway network, which extends 8,400 kilometers all over the country. During their visit the ministry officials also witnessed how Korean officials manage the extensive network.

The two countries established relations in 1974, and have since seen bilateral trade grow to over $40 million in 2011.

By Robert Lee (robert@heraldcorp.com)